ABSTRACT
Science, technology and innovation (STI) policies are currently at the heart of national development discussions in Africa. Across the continent, governments are beginning to actively support STI development as a tool for modernizing agriculture and agro-industry, and ensuring environmental sustainability (Brenner et al., 2010). In all Eastern African countries STI policies are beginning to take root. Some countries like Tanzania are reviewing their science and technology (S&T) policies, while other countries like Uganda have prepared strategies and plans for their implementation. In Kenya the policy and legal framework already in place has given rise to the Commission of Science, Technology and Innovation as the coordinating entity in conjunction with the Innovation Agency, and has launched the National Research Fund equivalent to 2 per cent of gross domestic product. The challenge is efficiently implementing these ideas and translating them into real impact. This renewed emphasis on STI as a driver for economic growth and development reflects the African Union (AU) commitment to advancing S&T on the continent and addresses the goals of the AU’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024 (African Union, 2014).
